Rabid kitten put down in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine — State health officials say members of a western Maine family who were bitten by a rabid kitten are being treated. The family dog, which was also bitten, is getting a rabies booster.

Officials say a stray kitten that was taken in by the Oxford County family in late August was found to be rabid earlier this month after testing at the state’s health laboratory. The kitten had bitten three family members and their dog. The kitten’s been euthanized.

The three individuals bitten by the cat will receive treatment over the next 28 days. The dog was current on its rabies vaccination, and will be placed in a 45-day quarantine.

So far this year, a total of 42 rabid animals have been identified in Maine. That includes 22 raccoons, 10 skunks, six foxes, three bats and one cat.